PIES DEFEAT OLD RIVAL MOUNT GRAVATT IN EMPHATIC DISPLAY

The Western Magpies moved into fourth place on the QAFL ladder with an emphatic 134 point victory over rivals Mt Gravatt at Chelmer on Saturday. The Pies booted 17 goals to half time and went on to a percentage building 27.17 - 179 to 6.9 - 45 victory. 

The Magpies dominated the midfield all match with ruckmen Dom Beer and Hayden Thick on top all day. This allowed the midfield  players to drive the ball forward time and again and with Luke Scott on fire with 4 first quarter goals the Magpies were on top early. 

The Magpies never took the foot off the accelerator in the first half and after leading by 2 goals to one at the half way point of the first quarter went on a goal scoring rampage to kick 15 goals to the Vultures 2 goals in the first half. The Pies booted 9 second quarter goals while keeping the visitors scoreless.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was ecstatic with the first half and was pleased with the big victory.

“It’s the best first half the club have put in, in the time I’ve been here, it’s the best half of football I have seen them play.

“We simply dismantled the opposition really well.

“We really dominated with the use of the football, we played Luke Scott up forward, and he kicked four, they had no one to match up on him so it was good for us and it really tore them apart.

“Once we had the scoreboard pressure on them, the sting went out of the game but we still won each quarter.

“Mt Gravatt  are a young side, they are undermanned, they stuck with it and that’s some of the stuff we went through last year.”

Mt Gravatt coach Brad Pollock was also complimentary of the Pies.

“We just got comprehensively smashed. The first half was a credit to the Magpies, they are up and about and they made us pay.

“There’s not much I can say, their ability around the stoppages and their run and carry was as good as anything in the competition".

The most impressive aspect of the Pies victory was the work at the stoppages and in close as well as the pressure they applied at the contest. This has become a trademark of the Pies play this season.. The Pies spun the ball around at the stoppages to open up play and with Alex Dickfos (6 goals)  and Luke Scott (4 goals) difficult match ups and with Val Pope (4 goals) his usual busy self the Pies had several avenues to goal. Add Brady Allen (3 goals) across half forward and Hayden Thick (2 goals) providing another tall option when resting up forward the Vultures were simply unable to contain all of them.

The Magpies were held to 10  goals in the second half as injuries took their toll and Mt Gravatt worked hard to stem the flow.

Injuries to Sean Mewing in the first quarter with a strained lower back and co-captain Lachlan Woods with an ankle sprain just prior to halftime reduced the Pies' rotations--with neither returning to the field in the second half. Add a side strain that restricted co-captain Callum Carseldine to forward line cameos in the second half  and the Pies were effectively 3 players down after halftime.

Matt Davis continued his fine form across half back and with CHB Doug Lawrence and rebounding Chris Hunt lead a tight and miserly defence. 

Drew Mitchell also continued a good patch of form in the midfield rotations.

This was the Magpies first official victory over Mt Gravatt since returning to QAFL ranks and was some consolation for several previous large losses inflicted on the Pies by the Vultures in the recent past. 

The Magpies percentage received a boost and they are now only a few percentage points behind third placed Wilston Grange

The Magpies have a break for the general bye next week which is timely given the injuries suffered from this match. The Magpies host a tough Sandgate at Chelmer the following Saturday.

Western Magpies: 8.4 - 42 | 17.7 - 109 | 23.12 - 150 | 27.17 - 179

defeated

Mount Gravatt:     3.1 - 19 | 3.1 - 19 | 6.2 - 38 | 6.9 - 48

Best: V.Pope, M.Davis, D.Lawrence, D.Mitchell, L.Scott, D.Beer

Goals: A.Dickfos 6, V.Pope, L.Scott 4, B.Jeanke-Cain, B.Allen 3, H.Thicj 2, M.Thompson, C.Hunt, J.Humphrey

Youthful Reserves outfit show improvement

A youthful Western Magpies Reserves again let inconsistency hide their progress with a poor quarter and a half of football allowing Mt Gravatt to take control and eventually run out 27 point victors, 15.9-99 to 11.6-72. 

The Pies trailed by 51 points at three quarter time before playing a good 5 goal to 1 goal final quarter to narrow the gap. The Pies  allowed the Vultures to dominate from half way through the second quarter and in the third quarter to boot 9 goals to 2 in this period.

Coach Quentin Johnson again rued the lapses but understands this can happen with a young side with 12 players 19 or younger in the team. 

Experienced players in Matt Hockley with 5 goals, Jaden Morton on ball and Gabe McKinnon in defence battled valiantly to stem the tide and were among the better players. McKinnon has had a fine season to date and has been a consistent player in every match.

Young brothers in Brodie and 16 year old Riley Easton and Matt Mazerolle were also good players and all have  been fine contributors in most matches they have played this season. 

Brodie Easton will be pushing for a senior recall as will Joel Workman who booted 3 goals.

The Pies may welcome several returning players in coming weeks as they look forward to cracking it for their fist win over another youthful team in Sandgate in a fortnight.  

Round 7 awaits as old foes resume battle

The Western Magpies go into Round 7 of the 2015 QAFL Season on the back of three straight wins, and will look to consolidate their form with a win over traditional rival Mt Gravatt Vultures at the Nest on Saturday to push further ahead of the chasing pack for a finals spot.

The Magpies have made two forced changes with Luke Scott and Sonny Aneet returning to the side, while 4 goal hero from Round 6, Sam Copland has received a call up to the Lions Reserves and Richard Wenham rested with hamstring soreness.  Aaron Maricic remains unavailable, this week called back into the QLD U/18 side for a match against Vic Country this week.  As a result, for the second straight week, there will be no Redlands listed players pulling on the black & white this week.

Luke Scott will relish the battle against one his former NEAFL sides, and after playing a few early matches across half back, Scott may move forward to give another quality option in attack.  He has played plenty of football for the Pies in his formative years across half forward and will prove to be a good foil for the likes of Brady Allen and Alex Dickfos, both improving with every outing.

Val Pope in his usual role across half forward with stints in the midfield has been a consistent and high class performer all season and will pose significant danger to the Vultures defence.

Co-captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine were hard at it again last week--Woods in his best and most disciplined game for the season, and Carseldine in a typical in-and- under display to win numerous hard ball contests. 

Matt Davis across half back has been in superb form this season and with the close checking Doug Lawrence at CHB and Chris Hunt moving to the flank the Pies have a solid half back line capable of exciting rebound football.

Sean McEvoy holding down the role of full back with aplomb allows the Pies to use Hayden Thick in the ruck and with Dom Beer they form a top line rucking combination. 

Ben Jaenke-Cain continues to get plenty of the ball and with Luke Mitchell playing well after a recall last week, Tom Ielasi doing all that is asked of him and Drew Mitchell also in consistent form, the Pies are developing some good mid-field depth. 

Sean Mewing was impressive last week after returning from a long injury lay-off and he  moves to the bench and will be used in the midfield as well as across half-back.

The Pies have now developed plenty of versatility which will put them in good stead during tight matches. This is an important match in the context of the season for the Pies and Mt Gravatt will be up for the challenge, so the home team needs to be on guard against a quality opponent.

Western Magpies vs Mt Gravatt Vultures - Chelmer, 2pm Saturday 30 May

B: Bryce Crossley - Sean McEvoy - Luke Mitchell

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Chris Hunt

C:  Jai Humphrey - Callum Carseldine © -  Majok Aneet

HF: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Val Pope

F: Luke Scott - Brady Allen - Tom Ielasi

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachlan Woods © - Ben Jaenke-Cain

Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Hayden Thick - Sean Mewing

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MAGPIES TRIUMPH AGAINST OLD RIVALS

The Western Magpies consolidated fifth place on the QAFL ladder with an emphatic 15.16 - 106 to 8.13 - 61 victory over old rivals Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions at Palm Beach on Saturday.

The Magpies had six forced changes to the 22 and coach Glenn Humphrey made several positional changes, moving Alex Dickfos to CHF and Brady Allen from wing to FF, entrusting the fullback position to Sean McEvoy and moving Hayden Thick into the ruck with Dom Beer.

Matt Davis remained across half back and Chris Hunt recovered quickly from an ankle injury at training on Thursday to take his place as a rebounding defender. Humphrey also backed the versatility of his players by moving regular CHB Doug Lawrence to the forward line when kicking with the wind to give the Pies added marking power and Allen was moved into defence against the wind. Both moves were successful and indeed the coaching panel's positional changes during the game all paid dividends and now give the Pies greater versatility in the coming weeks. A highlight was a piercing 60 metre goal from Brady Allen (a raking left-footer!!) in the second quarter, like a low flying tracer bullet.

The other pleasing aspect for the Pies brains trust was the faith they had in persisting with tall 17 year old forward Sam Copland, who rewarded them with a superb match.  Copland booted 4 goals, had another shot which went through in the first quarter controversially given as a touched ball and his strong marking, both on the lead and in packs, and goal kicking, were highlights. He will be a prime candidate for this week's QAFL Rising Star Award. 

The match was played in blustery sou-wester conditions with the wind favouring the right forward pocket at the northern end of the ground. The Pies lost the toss and therefore kicked against a 4 goal wind in the first quarter  but were able to boot several goals against the wind to only trail by 9 points at quarter time. The Pies attack on the football was impressive and their tackling pressure forced many errors from the PBC team.

A dominant seven goal second quarter by the Pies while keeping the Lions goalless blew the game open and the Pies led by 35 points at half time.  The Pies continued their work rate in the third quarter against the wind to restrict the Lions scoring and still had a 30 point lead at the last change.  With the wind at their backs in the last quarter, the Pies were never going to be challenged by a tired looking home team which had been out-tackled and out-muscled in the first three-quarters by a determined and ruthless outfit.

Ruckmen Dom Beer and Hayden Thick dominated in ruck and gave midfielders Ben Jaenke-Cain and Co-Captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine first use of the football which put the Pies on the front foot. Woods had his best game for the year and as always his attack on the ball was ferocious but he also took several big marks and a long 50 metre goal against the wind in the third quarter was a steadier for the Pies after the Lions had booted 2 quick ones to narrow the lead to 3 goals. Carseldine laid 9 tackles in a typical in-and-under display which set the tone for the Pies. Jaenke-Cain was a workhorse all match and his efforts to push back to help in defence were important in breaking up many Lions attacks.

Matt Davis was arguably the Magpies best player with a controlled match across half back taking several timely marks and intercepts to halt the home team attacks and turn defence into attack. Davis has been rewarded for his big pre-season to be the Pies most consistent player to date this season.

The Mitchell brothers, Luke and Drew, were also good players for the Pies and Jai Humphrey on debut and Bryce Crossley on recall also did all that was asked of them. 

Alex Dickfos continued his improvement as he gets close to his best and he responded to the Palm Beach's coach's pre-match assertion that the Pies' big forwards were not a major threat with 3 majors and played a robust game for the Pies, creating options with strong attack on the ball. Palm Beach applied hard tags on small forwards and their perceived danger men in Val Pope and Matt Thompson and the Pies brains trust countered this by running Pope in the midfield rotations and Thompson also had short spells up the ground. Pope was able to get plenty of the ball and as usual his clean handling was a highlight and he kicked 2 goals to cap a good game.  

Coach Glenn Humphrey was a happy man after the game “We held them well in the first quarter, they had a fairly strong breeze. We took hold of them in the second and split them open a little bit.

“Our use of the football was good and we were really good in close in the second quarter.

“That just proves that we can match it with any side on our day, we just have to come switched on.”

The Pies have three important matches in coming weeks against Mt Gravatt, Sandgate and UQ but there are no easy matches in the QAFL now and the men from Chelmer will need to maintain their intensity. The Pies will be confident going into these games but need to be on their guard  especially against Mt Gravatt this Saturday. The Magpies and Vultures have a long history going back to the South Queensland days and this Saturday will still be a tough contest and spells danger for the Pies if they don't bring their A game on the day.

Western Magpies 3.4 - 22 | 10.18 - 68 | 11.12 - 78 | 15.16 - 106

defeated

Palm Beach Currumbin 4.7 - 31 | 4.9 - 33 | 6.12 - 48 | 8.13 - 61

Goals: S.Copland 4, A.Dickfos 3, B.Allen 2, V.Pope 2, C.Carseldine, L.Woods, B.Jaenke-Cain, M.Thompson 1

Undermanned Reserves lose in blustery conditions

An undermanned Western Magpies Reserves outfit were defeated by PBC Lions by 50 points on Saturday in difficult conditions.

With five key players called up for senior selection covering injury and unavailability, and despite the inclusion of 2014 B&F Jadan Morton - the Reserves were always going to be up against it against and older, more experienced lineup.

Kicking against a 5 goal breeze in the first quarter, they matched the Lions reasonably well going into quarter time just 3 goals down, but then in the 2nd quarter kicking with the wind at their backs the Pies were outscored by 4 goals - making the 2nd half challenge a tough one.  Only 3 goals were kicked by either side in the 2nd half, making the 2nd quarter lapse the key difference between the two sides.

Several youngsters stepped out and helped out, and their effort was exceptional - but the home team held a strong physical advantage and experience in windy conditions was a telling factor.

Best players for the Magpies were Gabe McKinnon, continuing his consistent form, midfielder Matt Green and 16 year old Riley Easton.  Brodie Easton provided good support for his younger brother and young half back Matt Mazarolle had a good day continuing his development in his first senior season.

Jadan Morton worked hard in the ruck and around the ground in his first outing in 2015, but coach Quentin Johnson was left to lament once bad quarter again letting the Pies down in an otherwise good performance.

Reserves up for the challenge

The Western Magpies Reserves go into a winnable match against the 8th placed Palm Beach-Currumbin on Saturday but have again had several changes to the line-up. Sean Mewing, Luke Mitchell, Jai Humphrey  and Ben Hooper have all been promoted to the Senior side but into the team comes regular senior player Cory Hopkins after a long injury lay off, 2014 best and fairest Jaden Morton and young speedster Jake Heard, also after a long injury lay-off. 

The Pies will also look to youngsters Logan Murray, Matt Mazarolle and Matt Davis to continue their improvement and another youngster in Brodie Easton, who has had an injury interrupted start to the season and who had a taste of senior football in 2014, to continue to get better and push for a senior recall.  

Matt deNys also resumed last week for half a game after a long period out with injury and showed  he has the ability to also push for senior selection in coming weeks.  Another youngster in Joel Workman must be close to a senior recall and experienced players in Matt Green,  Gabe McKinnon and Matt Hockley need to lead the team in a match in which the Pies will be keen to get their first win of the season.  

SIX CHANGES FOR MAGPIES AS RIVALRY IS REVISTED

Following last weeks memorable win, The Western Magpies have another crucial QAFL clash when they travel to the Gold Coast to play the fourth placed Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions.

The fierce rivals from Pineapple Hotel Cup days resume battle on the Lions home turf in a match in which the victor will take another step towards a spot in the Top 5 at the business end of the year.

In a competition with two early runaway leaders, the fight for the remaining 3 finals places is a bun-fight at present with crucial games every week. After a difficult opening few rounds against ladder leaders, the Pies have winnable matches coming up and a victory on Saturday could set up their season and an assault on finals.

The Pies confidence will be boosted with their determined come from behind win last week but with six forced changes, the side will need to regroup for the clash. Out are key defenders  Luke Scott (unavailable) and Chris Hunt (rolled ankle at training) *Late change - Update* - Chris Hunt now available as ankle has pulled up ok and speedy wingman Sonny Aneet with illness. Three Redlands listed players in CHF Tom Michael, small forward Jak Williams (recalls to the NEAFL) and young ruckman Liam Dwyer suffered a broken finger last Saturday.

Both Michael and Williams were good last week with Williams kicking a pressure last quarter goal.

The Pies will miss Scott and Hunt and with speedster Aaron Maricic still required for Lions Reserves duties the Pies will miss Aneet’s speed through the middle.

Into the side come full-back Hayden Thick and half backs Luke Mitchell and Sean Mewing, all returning from injury. Mitchell was good in the Reserves last week after a week off and Mewing returns after one match in the Reserves after recovering from long term injury. Ben Hooper will come onto one wing after good Reserves form  Jai Humphrey also comes in for his first Senior game for the Magpies.

Coach Glenn Humphrey has yet to settle on his side and has only named a squad at present. 

Thick will cover for Hunt in the backline and with Mewing likely to slot across the half back line it may free Matt Davis to go back to the half forward line to cover for the missing Michael after a good game across half back. The Pies had a good spread of goalkickers last week and will need a similar output from all forwards and midfielders if they are to kick a winning score.

PBC reportedly are a different side than in previous seasons , with a young team with pace. However, in the past the Magpies have done well at Palm Beach and on a smallish ground will need to win the midfield battles to be a chance of victory. Drew Mitchell has been versatile and can play in defence or in the middle and his 2 last quarter goals last week as a midfielder were crucial in the Pies overrunning Surfers Paradise. Co-captains Callum Carseldine and Lachlan Woods have been fierce at the contest in recent matches and will need to lead from the front for the Pies.

It's not quite be backs-to-the-wall for the Pies but with key players missing it gives other players a great opportunity in the seniors to put in a big effort to overcome the Lions on their home turf.

Western Magpies vs PBC Lions at Salk Oval, Saturday May 23 - 2pm

B: Jai Humphrey - Sean McEvoy - Richard Wenham

HB: Sean Mewing - Doug Lawrence - Matt Davis

C: Ben Hooper - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Luke Mitchell

HF: Val Pope - Alex Dickfos - Sam Copland

F: Matt Thompson - Brady Allen - Tom Ielasi

Foll: Dom Beer - Callum Carseldine (c) - Lachland Woods (c)

Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Hayden Thick - Chris Hunt

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MAGPIES COME FROM BEHIND TO PUSH INTO TOP 5

The Western Magpies notched their second win of the season after a thrilling come from behind 4 point victory over Surfers Paradise at Chelmer on Saturday.  The 10-12-72 to 10-8-68 win sees the Pies move into fifth place on the ladder, with a game still in hand.

A south-easterly cross breeze favoured the northern end which the Demons had first use.

The Pies were slow out of the blocks after a 3 week layoff and the Demons took full advantage with the wind to slam on 6 first quarter goals to lead by 29 points at quarter time. 

It was only the brilliant marking and defensive skills of Luke Scott across half back in the first quarter that stopped a bigger deficit at the first break.

A rev from coach Glenn Humphrey at quarter time stirred the Pies into action and they started to whittle away at the Surfers' lead. 

Beaten in the midfield contests early in the game, the Pies started to work their way into the match with ruckman Dom Beer getting on top and Callum Carseldine, Drew Mitchell and Richard Wenham winning their share of the ball at ground level to drive the Pies into attack.

Key defenders Doug Lawrence and Chris Hunt had their hands full early in the match but both worked hard to restrict their opponents after quarter time.

Matt Davis in his move to half back played a top class game, and with Luke Scott and Sean McEvoy, who was also good in the last line of defence, the Pies only conceded 4 more goals in the final three-quarters of the match, the last after the final siren to narrow the margin to 4 points.

after the early deficit, the Pies narrowed the gap to 9 points at half time with Matt Thompson kicking 2 long goals and majors also to Callum Carseldine and Alex Dickfos.

Surfers again had use of the wind in the third quarter and while the Pies only added one goal they restricted the Demons to 2 goals to trail by 17 points at three quarter time.

The Pies dominated the last quarter as the visitors used a loose man in defence but with the ball continually pumped forward it was a matter of time before the home team hit the front mid way through the quarter. A great running goal from Drew Mitchell, his second for the quarter, was set up by a long run by Sonny Aneet and put the Pies 10 points in front in time-on and they held on for a well deserved victory.

Coach Glenn Humphrey was happy with the side's fight back.

“After a slow start we worked our way into it.

“We worked back into a couple of goals down by half time and then come out and got an early one.

“They were good early, good at the contest and the football, but we were a bit slow and weren’t helping ourselves too much.

“We kicked four goals to one in the second quarter which got the boys up and running and their confidence going.”

The Magpies travel to the Gold Coast  on Saturday to resume battle with fierce rivals Palm Beach Currumbin in what should be a quality match.

Western Magpies: 1.3 - 9 | 5.8 - 38 | 6.9 - 45 | 10.12 - 72

defeated

Surfers Paradise: 6.2-38 | 7.5 - 47 | 9.8 - 62 | 10.8 - 68

Goals: M.Thompson 3, D.Mitchell 2, A.Dickfos 2, J.Williams, B.Allen, C Carseldine

Best: M.Davis, L.Scott, R.Wenham, D.Mitchell, D.Beer, C.Carseldine

One poor quarter sinks Reserves

After a promising first quarter top open the game vs Surfers Demons, the Western Magpies Reserves had an inexplicable slump in the second quarter to concede 6 goals to nil and put them on the back foot..  The Pies fought back in the second half to get within 8 points in the last quarter but 2 late goals to the visitors saw them run out 21 points victors,  13-7-85 to 9-10-64.

Unfortunately the Pies conceded at least 4 goals to basic skill errors, but pleasingly the effort intensity is still there.

Despite the loss the Pies are improving each match and will be stronger again in coming weeks. Coach Quentin Johnson was pleased with his sides endeavour with forward tackling pressure a highlight, but he lamented some skill errors and poor decision making which he says are due to some players not being fit enough due to irregular training.

Regular First graders Luke Mitchell and Sean Mewing on return from injury were good players and will push for a Senior recall. Another inclusion in Matt Green was also busy and Matt Hockley also played a strong game and straightened the side up forward but the lack of a big key forward hurt the Pies. The Magpies had similar inside 50s to the Demons but were unable to convert.

Youngsters in Matt Mazarolle and Matt Davis continue to improve and another youngster in Grant Jennings also did some good things on return from injury.

Footy's Back (Again) - CLASSIC 8 POINT GAME vs SURFERS

After a 3 week break the Western Magpies return to the fray against fellow mid-table side Surfers Paradise Demons at Chelmer on Saturday.

The Pies match against Wilston Grange was called off due to flooding of the Gorilla's home ground 2 weeks ago and then the Pies had a split round bye, so while the bodies will be fresh, the side risks being underdone for the clash.

The momentum from the Pies Round 3 victory over Broadbeach Cats has potentially been lost, coach Glenn Humphrey will be using all the tricks in the book to get his side focused and switched on for the clash.

There are three changes from Round 3, with fullback Hayden Thick missing due a recurrence of a shoulder injury, Aaron Maricic called into the Lions Reserves and Joel Workman omitted.

Chris Hunt returns to fullback after a late start to the season due to injury and Redlands duo in key forward Tom Michael and small forward Jack Williams come into the side.

Michael impressed last year in several matches and with another year under his belt will be a key target for the Pies. Matt Davis moves to half back to join Doug Lawrence and Luke Scott which makes up a strong rebounding half back line.

Richard Wenham had a fine match last game and slots into the back pocket and may share some midfield rotations with another fine player last match in Drew Mitchell, who starts on the bench.

Maricic will be missed as he and Sonny Aneet both had superb outings matches against the Cats and the Pies will miss his pace. Brady Allen moves to the wing and his long penetrating kicks will be used to open up the Pies forward line.

Dom Beer will carry the ruck duties with support from Redlands based youngster Liam Dwyer and at ground level Callum Carseldine swaps roles with Ben Jaenke-Cain and will start in the middle. 

Val Pope has been at his consistent and brilliant best this year and he will be a foil for full forward Alex Dickfos who is working himself into form and fitness.

Small forwards Matt Thompson and Jack Williams bring different skill sets to the role but are both dangerous near goals -Thompson reading the play and Williams with his pace and agility.

With both teams on one win,  this match shapes as a classic 8 point game with the winner looking forward to pushing into the fiv.e while the loser falls back into the chasing pack

The Pies will hope they carry some momentum from their last win and will be very fresh for the clash.

Western Magpies vs Surfers Paradise Demons - Sat, May 16 at 2:00pm

B: Richard Wenham - Chris Hunt - Sean McEvoy

HB: Matt Davis - Doug Lawrence - Luke Scott

C: Brady Allen - Callum Carseldine (c) - Monok Aneet

HF: Sam Copland - Tom Michael (R) - Val Pope

FF: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Jack Williams (R)

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachland Woods (c) - Ben Jeanke-Cain

Int: Drew Mitchell - Tim McEvoy - Liam Dwyer (R) - Tom Ielasi

Reserves Bolstered

Western Magpies Reserves continue to become stronger each week, bolstered now by the return of Sean Mewing and Luke DeNys for their first outings of the year after long term injuries.  Luke Mitchell also returns after sitting out the last round with an injury and Joel Workman returns from some well deserved senior football experience.

However, Mitch Stallard is out with a foot injury and 2014 B&F Jaden Morton goes out due to work commitments without lacing up a boot against Grange due to the washout.

Youngsters Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Jake Fuentes, Lachland Gaetke, Brodie Easton and Ben Hoopers were all key players vs Broadbeach and will look to continue their constant improvement and good form, providing plenty of run for the Pies.

The Magpies will be looking to chalk up their first win of the 2015 Season after gradual improvement each week, and take on an inconsistent but dangerous Surfers Paradise team

SPONSORS DAY THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday when the Western Magpies team take on Surfers Paradise Demons in Round 5 of the QAFL - the team behind the Western Magpies in 2015 will be attending the 2015 Sponsors Day.

This is a day of recognition and thanks to all our sponsors and community partners for their wonderful support and we encourage all our supporters to get along to the day to support the Western Magpies teams both on and off the field.

Come along and mingle with our sponsors, learn what their business can offer you and ensure you support those that support you!

For more details on our sponsors you can see a detailed list of 2015 sponsors here, and for any special member offers you can check our our page here.

MAGPIE BYE? WOODSMEN FLY HIGH!

With the Western Magpies Seniors and Reserves having the bye this week, come on down to the club to check out the Woodsmen outfit under the 'Friday Night Lights' at the nest.

The Woodies were Undefeated Premiers in 2014 and will be unfurling their flag to celebrate the return home to the club for their first home game since 2013 thanks to the recent lighting upgrade.

Come down, have a meal in the club, enjoy the BBQ and have a Coopers at the bar - it promises to be a great night of entertainment, featuring plenty of former Magpie favourites.

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Round 4 - OLD FASHIONED WET WEATHER SLOG VS OLD RIVALS

The Western Magpies will be looking to get back to back wins when they clash with old rivals Wilston Grange at Stafford in Round 4 of the QAFL on Saturday.

With 3 days of wet weather leading into the match a tough wet weather slog will be the order of the day. 

The Gorillas have been one of the busiest clubs in the QAFL recruiting stakes in the summer and are tipped to be one of the league's big improvers this season and with a 2-1 record and an honourable loss to Morningside will start favourites in this clash.

However, the Pies will be buoyed by their come from behind victory last week over Broadbeach and are developing a belief that they belong at the top end of the ladder this season.

The Pies have made one change with Sam Copland unavailable (exams) and Redlands based Jack Goodall returning to the side

In wet conditions, common sense footy and attention to basic skills are vital. It is the hard nuts that come to the fore in the wet and the Pies have Co-Captains Lachlan Woods and Callum Carseldine as well as Tim McEvoy and Richard Wenham prepared to throw their bodies on the line to win the hard ball. This will be complemented by the class of Val Pope and Luke Scott to give the Pies forward impetus. 

Wenham played his best match for some time last week and Drew Mitchell was also good running out of defence.

When Dom Beer is first to get his hands on the footy in the ruck the Pies have been on top and in the past he and the Gorillas big man Jim McMahon have had torrid battles--whoever gets the points in this crucial battle of the big men will go a long way to helping their team to victory.

In defence the Pies key defenders Hayden Thick and Doug Lawrence have both been consistent  and will need to be at their best to hold key forwards in Gorilla coach Matt Trewhella and Declan Bevan.

Young speedsters Aaron Maricic and Monok "Sonny" Aneet were sensational last week on the wings and their pace can break the lines to give the Pies forwards scoring opportunities.

Alex Dickfos is getting to the contest at full forward and will need to hold his marks in slippery conditions to make the most of his opportunities. Pope and Matt Thompson provide the small forward goalscoring for the Pies.

A win can set the Magpies up for the next few weeks - expect a fierce and tough old fashioned wet weather contest.

Western Magpies vs Wilston Grange Gorillas - @ PBI Oval 2pm Sat May 2

B: Drew Mitchell - Hayden Thick - Sean McEvoy

HB: Jake Goodall (R) - Doug Lawrence - Luke Scott

C: Aaron Maricic - Ben Jeanke-Cain - Monok Aneet

HF: Tom Ielasi - Matt Davis - Val Pope

F: Matt Thompson - Alex Dickfos - Joel Workman

Foll: Dom Beer - Lachlan Woods (c) - Callum Carseldine (c)

Int: Richard Wenham - Tim McEvoy - Liam Dwyer (R) - Brady Allen

Quality inclusions boost Reserves

The return of 2014 Reserves B & F winner Jaden Morton and Matt Hockley will boost the Pies Reserves for their clash with Wilston Grange.

Brodie Easton has recovered from a knee knock last week and will play in the middle and Chris Hunt will also improve his fitness with another outing at CHB.

Youngsters in Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Jake Fuentes, Lachlan Gaetke and Ben Hooper are improving each week and will also add some run for the Pies. Blake McClennan is getting better with each match and the consistent Bryce Crossley will provide the midfield grunt in what shapes as a tough wet weather slog.

The Pies are improving with each outing and are not far away from their first victory as the team settles in coming weeks.

MOJOK ANEET - Round 3 Rising Star Nomination

Joining teammate Doug Lawrence who won the Round 1 - Rising Star Nomination is another Magpie Young Gun - Mojok Aneet

Lighting up H&A Oval on the weekend vs Broadbeach Cats - Aneet played a huge hand in delivering the Magpies their first win for 2015.

Despite his nomination, in extremely modest fashion, Aneet said his game could have been better.

“I thought that in terms of my own game I played well, but I could have played better,” Aneet said.

“Finishing off the easy goals and my work rate could improve.”

Aneet is known for his ability to break lines with his explosive pace, something his Magpies teammates are constantly encouraging him to use.

“I ran a few times through the middle, but my teammates are constantly telling me that you’re the quickest bloke in this team, so take on the game and don’t hesitate,” he said.

“They say that when I get the footy I should just take off, which I will try to do more.”

After an indifferent first few rounds for the Magpies, they got the ball rolling with a 12-point win over Broadbeach on Saturday.

“That was a really nice win from the boys. We were confident of being able to win,” Aneet said.

“Last week we weren’t 100 per cent ready, but this week we were.”

They take on an in-form Wilston Grange outfit this Saturday at PBI Oval.

Credit: Andrew Wiles AFLQ

MAGPIES BOUNCE BACK

A week is a long time in football as the Western Magpies bounced back from last weeks disappointment to have a hard fought 12 point win over Broadbeach Cats away from home on ANZAC Day

And a year is an eternity in football as last year the Pies managed to boot 8 goals in the first quarter against Broadbeach before suffering a heartbreaking loss, whilst on Saturday they booted 9 goals for the entire match and held on for a hard fought win.

The Pies took a good lead early on, before giving it up and then fighting back into the contest to get on the board in 2015.

It was a battle of attrition as both sides worked hard into defence to clog up forward areas to make goals at an all-time premium.

The Pies were switched on from the first bounce and were on top early, but again were wasteful up forward which allowed the Cats to stay in touch at quarter time.

The Pies worked hard around ground in the second term to extend their lead to 4 goals at half time -speedsters Sonny Aneet and Aaron Maricic on the wings provided plenty of pace, run and carry through the midfield and both provided drive and zip all match. Richard Wenham also had his best game for some time with good speed and linking with the midfield running out of half back. Drew Mitchell also had a return to form with strong play at half back and fellow defenders Hayden Thick and Luke Scott, in his first match on returning to the Nest, held the home team at bay.  Up forward Val Pope and Matt Thompson slotted goals to extend the Pies lead.

The Pies then fell into old habits, switched off and went to sleep resulting in 4 quick goals by halfway through the third quarter to the Cats and the Pies trailing by 6 points at three quarter time. The Pies were held goalless in the third quarter.

The Magpies re-grouped in the last quarter with Dom Beer getting on top in the ruck and Callum Carseldine, Val Pope and Lachlan Woods wresting midfield control to enable the Pies to have enough forward entries to boot 3-6 to go to a 17 point lead mid way though the last quarter before Broadbeach kicked a late consolation goal. 

Youngsters Joel Workman and Sam Copland also showed they have already learned from their experience last week and did several notable things to indicate they will be only get better as the season goes on.

Coach Glenn Humphrey said “It’s very good to get the win, the boys have worked pretty hard for it, so it was good to see them get rewarded for their hard work.

Our approach at the stoppages and our contested footy won us the game. Once we won the contested footy, we shared it well, and broke the game open.

They got back into the game in the third quarter because they started wining the contested footy.

We stopped them from having free running players down the ground, they had to go through our numbers to get where they wanted to go."

The Magpies head to Stafford to meet old rival Wilston Grange next Saturday and will need turn up ready to play against a Gorillas side that has recruited well in the off-season.
 

Western Magpies 2.4 - 16 | 6.5 - 41 | 6.10 - 46 | 9.16 - 70

defeated

Broadbeach Cats 1.3 - - 9 | 2.8 - 20 | 7.10 - 52 | 8.10 - 58

Best: M.Aneet - R.Wenham - A.Maricic - C.Carseldine - D.Mitchell - V.Pope - D.Lawrence

Goals: V.Pope 3 - M.Thompson 2 - A.Maricic, M.Davis, JWorkman 1

Mika turns back the clock in quality Reserves contest

An eight goal haul from club legend Chris Mihalopoulos was not enough to get the Western Magpies Reserves over the line against Broadbeach on Saturday.

The Pies went down 11-12-78  to 9-8-62. Micka was assisting with numbers side after playing for the Woodsmen on Friday night.

The Pies were slow out of the blocks as the Cats dominated the first half. 

With midfielders Ben Hooper, Blake McClennan and Bryce Crossley getting their hands on the footy in the second half the Pies came from 6 goals down to close with 8 points with time left but the Cats were able to steal a couple of late goals to hold on for the win. The move into the ruck of youngster Tadiwa Parirenyatwa in the second half gave the Pies first use of the football and with better supply to the forward line Chris Mihalopoulos used his footy smarts to kick his 8 goals to almost get the Pies over the line. 

Chris Hunt, returning from injury, and Jai Humphrey were both good players across half back. 

Injuries to the returning Brodie Easton and Mitchell Stallard is of concern to the Pies but Chris Hunt made it through the match unscathed in his return from injury.